Poll: Record public support for legalization, path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants

The newest Washington Post/ABC News poll indicates some very clear trends in the immigration debate, and it has good news for all but the anti-immigration hardliners.

For the supporters of comprehensive immigration reform, the poll shows record support for creating a pathway to legal status — either citizenship or residency — for the estimated 11 million people currently living in the United States without proper immigration documents.

For the supporters of border security, the polls shows that Americans want to feel that the U.S. border with Mexico is secure before those living in the U.S. without proper documentation are allowed to remain permanently. They also want to require businesses and individuals to ascertain the legal status of a person before hiring them.

The poll shows broad support for legalization across party lines — from nearly half of all Republicans to three-fourths of Democrats. Almost as many Americans favor citizenship for undocumented immigrants (57 percent) as legal status — either citizenship or permanent residency (63 percent).

The clear message of the polls: Inaction is not a viable political option. It also means there is little political wiggle room for Republicans who want to bar citizenship but allow immigrants to remain indefinitely in the U.S. without the rights of Americans.